^358 


Duke  University  Libraries 

Great  battle  of 
Conf  Pam  12mo  #358 


GREAT.  BATTLE 


OF 


CHICAMAUGA 


•     a  concise 
History  of  events 
from  the  evacu.\ti0n  of  chatta- 
NOOGA TO  iE  DEFEAT 
OF  THE  tNEMY. 


FULL  DETAILS  OF  THE  lATTLE,  INCIDENTS,  &c. 


By  S.  a  REID, 

Ora,"    qr  tli«    Iflobile    Trihniie. 


Entw^cllircorcllng' to^ct  cf  Congress,  in  the  ypa»go6S,  by 

H.  BALLENTYNE  &  CO., 
in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  th^.C|,  S.  district  Court  at  Moliile. 


t 


MOBILE: 
F,     TI-tCOMB, 

Corner  Dauphin  *aiid  Royal  Street?, 

n  r^ .-X 


3B^ .    T I T  C  O  Bi:  B , 
BOOKSELLEE  AM   STATIONER, 

Corner  Dauphin  and  Royal  Streets, 
MOBILE. 


GILHAM'S  MANUAL; 

INSTRUCTIONS  IN  FIELD  ARTILLERY; 

NOTES  ON  ARTILLERY; 

MAHAN'S  FIELD  FORTIFICATIONS ; 

FIELD  AND  HOSPITAL  SURCrERY,  By  Dr.  Edwaed  Waebbn; 

C.  S.  ARMY  REGULATIONS; 

GENERAL  ORDERS;  '     . 

JOMINI'S  PRACTICE  OF  WAR. 


■h 


^     i" 


Tr.H. 
H3rSrF 

Geeat  Battle  of  Chicamauga  ! 


■^>.«» 


Camp  before  CiiAXTANooGA,  October  5th,  1863. 

IJiave  already  sent  you  an  outline  of  the  great  battle  of  Chicamauga, 
and  now  undertake  to  give  you  a  detailed-  account  of  its  prominent  fea- 
tures, without  going  into  minute  particuhirs,  which  would  fill  a  volume. 
It  has  taken  rae  some  time  to  gather  the  information,  and  which  has  been 
attended  with  no  slight  obstacles.  Besides  this,  the  inconveniences  in 
Camp  afibrd  one  but  a  poor  opportunity  to  write  with  any  satisfaction  to 
one's  self. 

After  a  year  of  sad  and  disheartening  reverses  in  the  West,  our  arms 
have  achieved  a  great  and  glorious  victory.  From  the  time  Gen.  John- 
ston fall  back  from  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  a  dark  and  bloody  struggle  has 
ensueo,  in  v.hich,  on  every  occasion,  wo  have  fought  against  superior  num- 
bers, victory  wavering  first  on  one  side  and  then  on  the  other.  Notwith- 
standing the  disasters  of  the  Kentucky  campaign,  we  retrieved  a  portion  of 
Middle  Tennessee  and  North  Alabama.  The  battle  of  Murfreesboro',  in 
which  we  won  a  brilliant  victory  on  the  31st  December  last,  afterwards 
prov-ed  but  a  drawn  battle,  and  on  the  night  of  the  2d  January  following 
we  retreated  to  Tullahoma.  Several  months  elapned  after  this  terrible 
conflict.  We  advanced  to  Wartrace  and  Shelbyvilie,  were  again  ready  to 
give  the  enemy  battle,  when  a  large  portion  of  Gen.  Bragg's  forces  were 
withdrawn  tq  Mississippi  for  the  rescue  of  Vicksburg.  Nothing  was  ac- 
complished by  the  move.  Gen  Bragg  was  left  in  a  critical  position  as  a 
mere  army  of  observation,  opposed  to  an  overwhelming  army  in  his  front, 
which  for  months  beheld  at  bay.  The  enemy  at  last  succeeded  in  surpri- 
sing our  forces  at  Liberty  and  Hoover's  Gaps,  by  a  flank  m.ovement,  and 
Gen.  Bragg,  most  prudently,  to  save  his  army,  fell  back,  on  the  27th  June 
last,  to  Chattanooga.  The  enemy  followed  at  leisure  to  the  banks  of  th© 
Tennessee.    ■  % 

About  the  1st  of  September,  it^was  known  that  Burnside's  forces  were 
approaching  Knoxville,  threatening  our  right,  when  it  was  deemed  expe- 
dient to  evacuate  tliat  point,  and  concentrate  Gen.  Buckner's  forces  with 
those  of  Gen.  Bragg.  This  movement  was  being  effected,  when  it  be- 
came apparent  that  Rosecrans  was  crossing  his  army  at  Bridgeport,  hav- 
ing previously  shelled  Chattanooga  by  a  small  force  in  front.  The  threat- 
ening position  of  the  enemy  on  our  left  now  made.it  beyond  doubt  that 
he  intended  a  flank  movement  towards  Rome,  and  no  time  was  to  be  lost 
in  cutting  him  off.  To  save  tho  State  of  Georgia,  Chattanqoga  had  to  be 
abandoned,  and  knowing  the  superiority  of  the  enemy's  numbers,  Gen. 
Bragg  could  not  afl?brd  to  leave  behind  a  suflficient  garrison  to  defend  the 
place.     At  this  time,  it  must  be  understood,  Greu.  Bragg  had  no  know}r 


.edge  that  Gen.  Loiigstreet's  corps  was  on  its  way  from  Virginia  to  rein- 
force him.  Out  troops  evacuated  Chattanooga  on  the  7th  of  September, 
and  after  a  severe  march  through  the  dust,  which  was  ancle  deep,  and  ex- 
posed to  the  burning  rays  of  the  sun,  they  reached  the  vicinity  of  Laifiy- 
ette,  Georgia,  on  the  0th.  The  enemy's  cavalry,  under  Gen.  Wilder,  liad 
alrcc'i^dy  reached  Alpine,  and  driveu  back  Pegram's  cavah'y,  and  it  wns 
reported  that  a  large  body  of  the  enemy  was  in  the  direction  of  McLemore'ai 
Cove, 

Breckinridge's  division,  composed  of  Adams',  Helm's,  and  Stovall's 
brigiides,  guarded  the  various  roads  leading  into  Lafliyette  from  the  south- 
ward. On  the  morning  of  the  ISth,  our  scouts  reported  a  large  force  of 
the  enemy  advancing  on  our  position  from  the  direction  of  Alpine,  25  miles 
south-west  of  Lafayette.  Adams'  brigade  was  immediately  thrown  across 
the  road  to  oppose  the  threatened  advance,  Stovall  forming  on  the  left  of 
Adams,  with  his  artillery,  commanding  a  wide  extent  of  open  ground  in 
our  front.  At  mid-day,  a  squadron  of  our  cavalry  came  dashing  through 
our  lines  of  skirmishers  followed  by  the  "Lightning  Brigade"  of  Wilder. 
Our  infantry  and  artillery  immediately  opened  with  buck,  ball,  and  can- 
nister  and  sent  them  to  the  right  about  with  many  an  empty  saddle. 

In  the  mean  time  a  large  force  of  Thomas'  corps  was  n^,oving  up  Mc- 
Lemore's  Cove,  supposed  to  be  Negley's  and  another  division.  Cheatham's 
division  was  moved  rapidly  forward  to  Lafayette,  in  front,  a  portion  of 
Hill's  corps  occupied  Catlett's  Gap,  in  Pigeon  Mountain,  (which  is  a  spur  of 
Lookout,  about  15  miles  from  Chattanooga,)  flanking  the  enemy  on. his 
right,  while  Gen.  Hindman  was  ordered  to  attack  the  enemy  immediately 
in  the  Cove.  Eor  some  rfeason,  attributed  to  the  nature  of  the  ground,  the 
attack  was  not;  made,  and  the  enemy  escaped. 

To  understand  the  advance  of  Rosocrans'  army,  it  would  seem  that 
Thomas'  and  McCook's  corps,  with  Stanley's  division  of  cavalry,  com- 
manded by  Mitchell,  crossed  the  Tennessee  at  Bridgeport,  marching  over 
Sand  Mountain  into  Wills  Valley  and  from  thence  down  McLemore's  Cove 
iiT  the  direction  of  Lafayette.  Crittenden's  corps,  had  crossed  above  Chat- 
tanooga at  Harrison's,  and  was  moved  in  the  direction  of  Ringgold.  A 
-portion  of  Park's  corps,  of  Burnside's  army,  and  a  brigade  of  his  cavalry 
came  dojvn  from  Knoxville  to  Loudon  .and.  Cleveland. 

On  the  morning  of  the  14th,  it  was  reported  that  the  enemy  had  aban- 
doned his  position  in  the  vicinity  of  Alpine,  and  that  he  was  moving  up 
Mc'Lemore's  Cove  in  the'direction  of  (Chattanooga.  Gen.  Cheatham's  di- 
vision was  ordered  to  proceed  towards  (Crawfish  Springs,  about  half  way 
between  Lafoyette  and  Chattanooga,  to  reconnoitre  the  enemy,  which  he 
did,  and  returned  on  Tuesday,  the  15th.; 

A  council  of  war  was  then  held  at  Lalfayette,  Ga.,  on  that  day,  and  it 
was  resolved  to  advance  towards  Chattarjooga  and  attack  the  enemy  where- 
ever  he  could  be  found.  On  the  16th,  Gen.  Bragg  issued  a  spirited  address 
to  his  troops,  and  preliminary  orders  directing  the  troops  to  be  held  in 
readiness  to  march  that  night.  These  orders  were  subsequently  counter- 
manded, and  renewed  at  7  A.  M.  on  the  17th,  and  Buckner's  corps  accord- 
ingly marched  north  from  Lafayette  at  9  A.  M.  on  that  day,  and  at  night 
encamped  on  Pea-vine  Creek,  10  miles  from  Lafayette;  Walker  camping 
a  mild  further  on,  and  Polk's  corps  camping  at  Rock  Spring.-    Gqw.  Bragg 


o 

mnde  his  licad  quarters  at  Leet's  T:n  Yard,  neiir  'Walker  tjounty,  on  Pea- 
vino  Creek. 

The  following  order  defined,  the  movement : 

Head  Quarters  Army  Ox^  Tennessee,  } 

Leet's  Tan-yard,  Sept.  18,  isf,*,.      j" 
Circular. 

I.  Maj.  Gen.  W.  11.  T.  Walker's  Divisiofi  vrVi]  move  to  Alexander's  Bridge,  or  By- 
ram's  Ford,  and  there  cross  the  Chiotamaucca. 

JI.  Maj.  Gen.  Buckner  will  move  on  Tedlbrd's  Ford  and  there  cross  the  Ptiver. 
Botli  these  columns  will  be  put  in  motion  at  6  A.  M.  this  day!  Xone  hut  Amlulancea 
and  Artillery  Wagons  will  move  with  these  columns.  • 

III.  Lt.-Gen'l  Polk  will  move  at  the  eame  hour  and  by  pressing  engasre  the  atten- 
tion of  the  enemy  at  Gordon's  Mill?,  and  be  prepared  to  move  by  his  right  Hank  to 
cross  the  river  by  the  nearest  lord. 

IV',  Tiie  Cavalry  of  Gen.  Pei^ram  will  cover  the  front  of  Buckuer  and  TTalker,  and 
that  of  Gen.  Armstrong  the  front  of  Gen.  Polk. 

By  command  of  Gen.  Brarrg. 
[Signed]  ^    G.  W.  BRE^-T,  A.  A.  G. 

Buckncr's  corps  wns  accordingly  early  opon  the  road  and,  passing  by 
Pea-vine  Church,  started  for  Ted  ford's  Ford,  by  the  best  and  nearest  road. 
His  movement  was  unexpectedly  checked,  however,  by  encountering 
Walker's  column,  and  when  relieved  by  its  passage,  that  of  Gen.  Cheat- 
ham. At  11  o'clock,  and  while  matters  were  brought  to  a  Rait  by  this 
collision,  the  following  circular,  of  same  tenor  with  the  previous  one,  but 
mpre  ample,  was  received  : 

Head-Quarters  Army  of  Tennessee,  ) 

In  the  Field,  Leet's  Tanyard,  Sept.  18,  1863.  j" 
Circular. 

I.  Johnson's  column  (Hood's)  on  crossing  at  or  near  Reid's  bridge  will  tnrn  to  the 
left  by  the  most  practicable  route  and  sweep  up  the  Chicamauga  towards  Lee  <fc  Gor- 
don's Mills. 

II.  "Walker,  crossing  at  Alexander's  bridge,  will  unite  in  thi^move  and  push  vigo- 
rously on  the  enemy's  ilank  and  rear  in  the  same  direction. 

III.  Buckner,  crossing  at  Tedford's  Ford,  will  join  in  the  movement  to  the  left,  and 
press  the  enemy  up  the  stream  from  Polk's  front  at  Lee  <fc  Gordon's  Mills. 

lY.  Polk  will  press  his  forces  to  the  front  of  Lee  &  Gordon's  Mill's,  and  if  met  by 
too  much  resistance  to  cross,  will  bear  to  the  right  and  cross  at  Dalton's  Ford,  or  Ted- 
ford's,  as  may  be  necessary,  and  join  in  the  attack  wherever  the  enemy  may  be. 

V.  Hill  will  cover  our  left  flank  from  any  advance  of  the  enemy  from  the  Cove, 
and  by  pressing  the  Cavalry  in  his  front  ascertain  if  the  enemy  is  reinforcing  at  Lee  <fe 
Gordon's,  in  which  event  he  will  attack  them  in  flank. 

VI.  Wheeler's  Cavalry  will  hold  the  Gaps  in  Pigeon  Mountain,  and  cover  our  rear 
and  left,  and  bring  up  stragglers,  <fec. 

VIL  All  Teams,  Ac.  not  with  troops  should  go  towards  Ringold  and  Dalton,  be- 
yond Taylor's  Ridc;e.  All  cooking  abould  be  done  at  -the  trains.  Rations  when  cook- 
ed will  be  forwarded  to  the  troops. 

VIII.  The  above  movements  will  be  exectited  with  the  utmost  promptness,  vigor, 
and  persistence. 

By  command  of  Gen.  Braeg, 
[Signed]  G.  W.  BRENT,  A.  A.  G. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  Chicamauga  runs  in  a  course  nearly- 
north;  that  Lee  &  Gordon's  Mills  are  at  the  crossing  of  the  Chattanooga 
and  Lafayette  road,  and  that  Dalton's,  Tedford's,  Alexander's  and  Reid's 
are  respectively  in  their  order  further  down  the  River  (north)  from  Lee  <fe 


Gordon's  Mills.  Tko  crossing  of  the  Chicamauga  was  to  begin  at  the 
lowest  ford  and  to  be  effected  juccessively. 

Breckinridge's  division  marched  by  the  way  of  Catlett's  Gap  and  the 
Crawfish  Spring  road  to  the  main  Chattanooga  road.  On  the  JTth,  Adams' 
brigade  occupied  this  Gap,  and  from  a  lofty  eminence  near,  could  be  seen 
the  enemy's  long  wagon  trains,  solid  columns  of  infantry,  squadrons  of 
horse  and  batteries  of  artillery,  pasain.c;  all  day  long,  and  which  seemed  in- 
terminable. The  enemy  was  evidently  making  his  way  across  the  slope, 
or  southwest  point  of  Lookout,  to  the  Cliicamauga,  with  a  view  of  advan- 
dng  on  the  line  towards  Ringgold  and  Dal  Ion.  Our  chances  of  success 
against  this  immense  and  splendidly  equipped  army  seemed  small  indeed, 
but  instead  of  disheartening,  it  only  seemed  to  nerve  our  boys  and  add  im- 
petuosity to  their  engcrness  for  the  fray.  At  twilight  the  flood  of  their 
lens  of  thousands  still  rolled  on.  As  tho  veil  of  night  covered  the  plain 
below,  it  became  spangled  with  the  thousands  of  lights  of  the  enemy's  bi- 
vouacs revealing  their  immense  encampment. 

On  Friday  morning,  the  18th,  tho  enemy  was  found  to  occupy  the  oppo- 
site side  of  the  west  fork  of  the  Cliicainauga,  which  runs  east  of  north,  emp- 
tying into  the  Tennessee  above  Chattanooga.  Our  army  had  now  advanc- 
ed to  the  Chicamauga,  Gen.  Forrest's  caralry  being  in  front,  on  our  right, 
reconnoitering  and  skirmishing  with  the  enemy.  Gen.  Law's  Ala.  brigade^ 
Benning's  Georgia  brigade,  and  Robertson's  Texas  brigade,  of  Longstreet's 
corps,  under  command  of  Gen.  Hood,  with  Johnson's  division,  came  up 
that  morning  from  Dalton.  It  was  now  determined  to  force  the  passage 
of  the  Chicamauga,  the  enemy  holding  Alexander's  bridge  in  force,  as  well 
as  the  other.  Gen.  Walker,  commanding  a  sub-corps,  composed  of  Liddell's 
and  Walthall's  brigades,  underGen.  Liddell,  and  Ector's  and  another,  com- 
manded by  Col.  Wilson,  of  Ga.,  under  Gen.  Gist,  was  ordered  to  carry 
this  bridge.  It  was  now  3  P.  M.,  and  Walthall's  brigade^  supported  by 
Liddell's,  in  command  of  Cob  B.  C.  ^ovan,  gallantly  advanced  for  this 
purpose.  A  severe  fight  ensued,  the  enemy  resolutely  disputing  the  pas- 
sage, but  Walthall's  men  were  irresistible,  and  after  a  bloody  struggle,  in 
> which  Walthall  lost  102  of  his  men  killed  and  wounded,  the  point  was  car- 
ried, but  the  enemy  burned  the  bridge  in  their  retreat.  Walker's  corps 
then  marched  a  mile  below  to  Byram's  Ford,  and  crossed  crotch  deep. 
They  bivouacked  that  night  in  front  of  Alexandi3r's  bridge,  occupying  the 
position  held  by  the  enemy  that  day. 

At  the  same  time,  while  Walker  wasi  engaging  the  enemy,  Stew^art's 
division,  of  Buckner's  corps,  composed  or  Clayton's,  Browri's,  and  Bate's 
brigades,  were  moving  on  Tedford's  and  Dalton's  fords.  Bate's  brigade 
was  being  thrown  forward  tp  a  commanding  position,  supported  by  Clayton 
and  Brown,  but  before  getting  into  lineithe  enemy  opened  a  severe  fire 
with  musketry  and  artillery.  G^n.  Bate  soon  formed  his  brigade  in  a 
skirt  of  woods  immediately  in  front  and  opened  fire,  the  Eufoula  Battery 
at  the  same  time  unlimbering  and  playing  with  such  admirable  eflTect  on 
the  enemy's  guns  that  he  was  soon  induced  to  retire  from  his  position,  near 
Mr.  Alexander's  house,  which  was  set  on  fire  by  our  shells  and  destroyed. 
Stewart's  division  then  camped  near  the  ford  which  was  held  by  Pegram's 
cavalry  during  the  night,  while  Preston's  division  eflTected  ah  unobstructed 
passage  at  Hunt's  Ford  a  mile  higher  up.     Thus  was  secured  tho  crossing 


of  the  Chicftmauga  by  our  army,  to  the  aetonishment  of  the  euemr  who 
WIS  surprised  to  find  that  wo  really  had  advanced  upon  him  in  force  That 
night  Adams  brigade  of  Breckinridge's  division,  guarded  Childress  Bridge- 
on  the  extreme  left  of  our  army,  and  Ector's  brigade  was  in  front  of  Reid's 
JtJnage  on  our  right. 

While  our  army  was  thus  adrancing  towards  Lafayette  to  check  the 
mam  body  of  Rosecrans'  army,  Crittenden'*  corps  waa  vainlv  dreaming  of 
a  triumphant  march  towards  Atlanta.  The  enemy's  cavalry  had  advanced 
as  far  as  Tunnel  Hill,  from  whore  they  were  driven  back,  on  the  11th  Sep- 
tember, by  Forrest's  and  Scott's  cavalry.  Gen.  Bushrod  Johnson's  forces 
occupying  the  ridge  back  of  the  railroad  tunnel.  To  show  that  Ro.ecrans 
had  no  Idea  of  being  attacked  by  Bragg,  on  t*he  18th,  while  he  was  ^ecurini: 
the  bridges  and  fords  across  the  Chicamauga,  the  enemv's  cavalry  made  a 
dash  on  Ringgold,  shelling  the  town,  but  were  driven  back  by  our  cavalrv 
with  consideraolc  loss.  It  is  stated  that  at  this  time,  some  of  our  people 
informed  Crittenden  that  wc  had  received  large  reinforcements  from  Vir- 
gmia,  whicb  caused  him  to  make  a  precipitate  retreat.  On  the  ?ame  dar 
Brigadier  Gen  Hodge's  Kentucky  Cavalry,  which  had  been  servincr  in  Vir' 
gmia,  drove  the  enemy  out  of  Cleveland  after  a  severe  skinnish,  fn  which 
some  sixty  of  the  enemy  were  killed  and  wounded,  and  thirty  of  a  Micbican 
regiment  taken  prisoners.  *' 

Early  on  Saturday  morning,  the  19th,  Gen.  Bragg  came  up  to  Tedford's 
J^ord,  and  the  commands  of  Hood  and  Johnson  and  Walker  and  Buckner 
were  advanced  for  formation  into  lino.  ^ 

_  All  our  forces  but  a  portion  of  Hill's  and  Longstreet's,  were  across  the 
river,  being  on  the  west  side  of  the  west  Fork  of  the  Chicamauga,  which  is 
a  very  tortuous  strekm,  its  general  direction  running  north  by  east     Our 
position  was  in  the  extreme  north  west  corner  of  Georgia,  about  ei^^ht 
miles  west  of  Ringgold,  and  seven  miles  south  of  Chattanooga,     ifhe 
battle  ground  extended  from  the  right,  four  miles  south  from  the  Tennes- 
see fetate  Line,  and  across  the  boundary  line  of  the  Counties  of  Catoosa 
and  Walker  in  Georgia,  to  about  six  miles,  near  Lee  and  Gordon's  Mill  on 
our  left      The  nature  of  the  ground  is  undulating  And  heavily   timbered 
\yith  oak  and  a  thick  undergrowth.      Towards  the  waet,  approaching  Mis- 
sionary  Ridge,  the  ground   becomes  broken  into   hills  and  valleys.       Gur 
iine  of  battle  rested  on  the  bends  of  thb  river,  forming  an  obtuse  angle,  and 
was  formed  that  morning  without  much  regard  to  corps  organization  as 
follows:  Gen.  Walker's  corps,  composed  of  Lid^ell's  and  Gist's  division?: 
w  1  u'^P^  commanding  his  own  brigade,  under  Col.  D.->C.  Govan,  and 
Walthall  s  brigade ;  and  Gist  commanding  Ector's  brigade,  and  another 
under  Loh  Wilson,  took  position  on  our  right,  wrth  Cheatham's  division  in 
reserve.     Stewart's  division,  composed  of  Clayton's,  Bate's  and  Brojvn's 
brigades,  o.  i^uckner's  corps,  formed  the  center;  and  Bushrod  Johnson's 
division,  composed  of  his  own  brigade,  under  Col.  Fulton,  and  McNair'a 
and  Gregg  s,  with  Hood's  division,  'commanded  by  Gen.  La^,  and  Pres- 
ton  3  and  Breckinridge's  division  formed  our  left  v^ing,  under  command  of 
iaen.  Hood   Gen.  Longstreet  not  having  come  up.     Our  right  wins  was 
commanded  by  Gen.  Polk.  •  , 

It  was  contemplated  by  Gen.  Bragg  to  make  a  flapk  movement  and  turn 
Wie  enemy  g  left,  so  as  to  get  our  forces  between  him  and  Chattanopga,  and 


8 

thus  cut  ofi'  his  retreat,  believing  that  the  main  force  of  the  enemy  was  at 
Lee  and  Gordon's  Mills,  and  upon  which  lie  had  intended  to  move.  But 
unfortunately,  Gen.  Thomas,  who  commanded  the  lefc  of  the  Abolition 
army,  had  that  very  morning,  at  9  o'clock,  sent  a  despatch  to  Gen.  Palmer, 
commanding  the  Abolition  center,  ordering  him  to  attack  our  front  imme- 
diately, while  Thomas  proceeded  to  flank  us  on  the  right.  Thus,  before  we 
were  prepared,  the  enemy  commenced  a  counter  attack,  while  Gen.  Wal- 
ker at  the  time  was  awaiting  orders  to  move  into  position.  Gen.  Forrest, 
who 'was  on  our  right  flank, In  front,  annoying  the  enemy  and  retarding  his 
moven\ents,  was  now  being  sorely  pressed  by  Thomas,  and  requested  Ec- 
tor's brigade  to  support  him.  Col.  Wilson's  brigade  at  the  same  time  mov- 
ing forward.  After  a  gallant  fight,  against  tremendous  odds,  these  two 
brigades  wero  driven  back.  At  this  time  Gen.  W^a]kcr  was  ordered  by 
Gen.  Bragg  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  such  heavy  firing.  Walker  and  Lid- 
dell,  after  a  reconnoissance,  then  ascertained  that  a  corps  of  the  enemy,  un- 
der Thomas,  was  m.oving  to  turn  our  right  wmg,  and  Liddell's  division  was 
immediately  advanced  t"o  support  Ector  and  W^ilson,  who  had  been  badly 
repulsed.  It  was  now  about  noon,  when  Walthall  and  Govan's  brigades, 
under  Liddell,  jjallantly  met  the  enemy,  and  such  was  the  impetuous  charge 
made  by  these  troops  that  they  broke  through  two  lines,  driving  back  the 
14th,  16th  and  18th  United  States  Regulars,  and  capturing  two  batteries  ; 
Walthall's  brigade  capturing  the  whole  of  the  5th  United  States  Infantry, 
411  officers  and  men ;  and  Govan's,  100  prisoners  and  the  celebrated 
Loomis'  battery,  a  captain  of  which  refused  to  leave  his  gun  and  was  captur- 
ed with  it.  By  this  time  the  enemy's  center  being  broken  their  extended 
lines  flanked  Liddell  on  both  sides,  compelling  him  to  retire  with  his  prison- 
ers, and  was  only  enabled  to  bring  off  three  of  the  guns. 

At  the  same  time  Stewart's  division  had  advanced  to  meet  the  foe,  Clay- 
ton's brigade  becoming  engaged  at  noon  and  was  exposed  to  a  most  de- 
structive fire.  Brown's  brigade  then  advanced  and  relieved  Clayton,  but 
such  became  the  fury  of  the  enemy's  fire  that  they  were  compelled  after  a 
determined  stand  to  fall  back.  Bate's  brigade  was  then  ordered  forward 
and  staggered  for  a  moment,  but  breasting  the  storm  they  delivered  a  con- 
stant fire  into  the  enemy's  ranks  with  good  effect,  and  then  rushing  forward 
charged  a  battery  and  drove  the  enemy  from  fheir  guns,  three  of  which 
were  brought  off  the  field.  The  Abolitionists  fell  back  to  a  second  battery 
which  opened  with  grape  and  canister  so  severely,  that  in  making  a  charge 
the  brigade  became  divided  and  the  effect  was  lost,  enabling  the  enemy  to 
recover  their  guns  by  throwing  forward  their  infantry.  Bate  soon  rallied 
his  brigade,  which  formed  in  line  again,  confronting  the  enemy  with  such 
daring  that  it  drew  forth  general  admiration,  and  the  praise  of  officers  high . 
in  rank.  It  was  at  this  time  the  brave,  chivalrous  Col.  A.  F.  Rudler,  of 
the  37th  Georgia,  received  a  slight  wound,  and  his  gallant  color-bearer, 
John  C.  Clemence,  fell  mortally  wounded  while  bearing  forward  the  Regi- 
mental flag.  The  enemy's  artillery  was  capably  and  continuously  served, 
and  with  terrible  effect.  Our  troops  moved  through  a  tempest  of  grape 
and  canister.  The  woods  had  been  fired  by  the  burning  missile  of  the 
lenemy  which  was  calculated  to  appal  the  stoutest  heart ;  but  still  our  men 
pressed  forward  undaunted,  and  made  the  burning  forest  vocal  with  their 
yells,  while  the  terrified  enemy  gave  way  before  them. 


It  was  now  about  2  P.  M.  The  enemy  was  being  largely  reinforced, 
and  hurrying  forward  hisJ  multiplied  numbers  to  recover  his  lost  ground, 
when  the  chafing  Cheatham  moved  forward  his  veterans  of  J.  K.  Jackson's,^ 
Maney's,  Strahl's,  Wright's  and  Preston  Smith's  brigades,  relieving  Lid- 
deli's  command,  and  met  the  sliock  of  battle  as  the  enemy's  forces  came 
rolling  down  towards  them.  The  artillery,  under  Maj.  Melancthon  Smith, 
opened  on  them  a  sweeping  fire,  which  made  their  columns  shake.  Then 
again  our  lin^  wavered  before  the  desperate  struggle  of  the  enemy,  and 
the  fight  was  kept,  up  with  varied  success  until  5  P.  M.,  we  having  sus- 
tained a  slight  repulse.  It  was  here  fell  the  brave  Preston  Smith.  At  the 
same  time  Stewart  had  been  again  pushing  them  in  the  center,  and  had 
also  failed  to  dislodge  the  enemy.  Gen.  Liddell  was  now  ordered  still 
further  to  the  right,  and  again  engaged  the  enemy.  Govan's  brigade  charg- 
ed and  took  another  battery,  and  while  engaged  with  the  enemy  one  of  our 
batteries  in  th®  rear  opened  on  his  men,  causing  them  to  fall  back.  Wal- 
thall held  his  own  against  fearful  odds,  but  was  finally  compelled  to  retire 
under  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  whose  position  was  now  very  strong,  they  oc- 
cupying the  cr^st  of  a  slight  eminence  which  they  had  fortified  with  fallen 
timber,  and  by  this  great  advantage  had  maintained  their  ground  against 
two  desperate  assaults. 

The  sun  M'as  setting  when  the  Stonewall  of  Bragg's  army,  Cleburn,  of 
Hill's  corps,  came  up  with  his  braves  under  Deshler,  Polk,  and  Wood,  re- 
lieving Walker,  and  passing  to  the  front  over  the  bloody  ground  that  had 
been  so  stubbornly  contested  by  Cheatham,  charging  the  enemy  up  to  their 
very  breastworks.  A  crashing  fire  of  musketry  from  the  enemy  made 
Cleburn's  men  reel,  when  forward  dashed  the  batteries  of  the  gallant  Sem- 
ple  and  Lieut.  Key,  who  opened  a  terrific  fire  on  the  enemy's  works,  while 
the  division  charged  with  such  impetuosity  that  the  enemy  recoiled  and 
were  driven  half  a  mile  from  their  line  of  battle. 

That  night  our  troops  slept  on  the  field  surrounded  by  the  dead.  No 
cheerful  fire  dispelled  the  gloom,  and  profound  silence  brooded  over  the 
field  of  carnage. 

We  must  now  go  back  to  bring  up  the  movements  of  our  left  wing, 
which  occurred  on  the  19th.  Gen.  Hood  was  in  command  of  two  divis- 
ions, his  own,  under  Gen.  Law,  Col.  Sheffield  commanding  Law's  brigade, 
and  Bushrod  Johnson's,  which  formed  on  the  left  of  Stewart's.  Preston's 
division  of  Buckner's  corps,  consisting  of  Grade's,  Trigg's,  and  Kelley's 
brigades,  formed  on  the  left  of  Hood's,  holding  an  important  hill  and  blitf 
upon  which  were  placed  two  batteries.  Adams'  brigade  of  Breckinridge's 
division,  formed  into  line  near  Glass'  Mill,  on  the  Chiearaauga,  and  was 
the  extreme  left  of  our  army.  None  of  the  infantry  on  our  extreme  left 
was  engaged  that  day,  but  in  the  morning  Slocomb's  battery  of  the  Wash- 
ington Artillery  had  a  bloody  duel  with  the  enemy,  and  sufiered  severely 
in  men  and  horses,  and  the  gallant  Lieut.  Blair  was  killed.  The  enemy's 
battery  did  not  escape,  however,  without  being  completely  riddled.  About 
3  o'clock,  when  Stewart  was  hotly  engaged.  Hood's  command  attacked  the 
enemy,  driving  them  back  across  the  Chattanooga  road,  which  fronted  our 
whole  line  of  battle,  capturing  a  battery  and  taking  oflT  three  guns.  It  was 
late  in  the  afternoon,  when  Hood's  division  was  being  sorely  pressed,  that, 
Trigg's  brigade,  of  Preston's  division,  was  detached,  rendering  timely  aid, 


10 

aaid  driving  tho  enemy  from  the  desired  position.  A.t  dark  Hood^s  com- 
mand fell  back  300  yards  across  the  Chattanooga  road,  and  formed  line  of 
battle  on  a  ridge.  It  should  have  been  stated  that,  in  the  morning  of  this 
day,  Col.  Johnson,  commanding  Morgan's  cavalry,  as  well  as  Pegram's 
cavalry  took  a  gallant  part  in  the  fight  on  our  right,  and  that  Scott's  Lou- 
isiana cavalry  with  three  companies  held  at  bay  seven  regiments  of  infantry. 

The  battle  of  Saturday  had  olosed  without  our  having  gained  any  deci- 
eive  advantage,  and  from  the  stubborn  resistance  made  by  the  enemy,  our 
lines  were  but  little  advanced.  All  night  long  the  enemy's  axes  were 
heard  cutting  timber  to  make  breastworks,  and  they  actually  piled  up  their 
own  dead  fo"r  this  purpose.  The  position  on  which  Buckner's  left  rested 
(Preston's  division)  had  been  selected  as  the  point  d'ajyprd^  and  the  pivot 
Tipon  which  the  army  was  to  swing  in  the  movement  which  had  failed  by 
reason  of  the  attack  on  our  right.  It  was  now  understood  that  the  battle 
would  commence  at  daylight,  Sunday,  and  that  the  same  movement  would 
be  attempted.  For  this  purpose,  Breckinridge's  division,  of  Hill's  corps, 
was  moved  that  night  on  our  extreme  right,  to  strengthen  that  wing. 
Preston  was  ordered  to  a  position  further  to  the  left.  Hindman's  divi- 
sion, of  Manigault's,  Deas',  and  Anderson's  brigades,  came  up  and  took 
position  between  Hood  and  Preston.  Gen.  Longstreet  came  up  at  mid- 
night and  took  command  of  the  right  wing.  McLaw's  division  had  also 
come  up,  Kershaw's  and  Humphrey's  brigades,  and  formed  in  reserve  half 
a  mile  in  the  rear  of  Hood.  All  was  now  ready  for  the  grand  attack  of 
the  coming  Sabbath. 

Sunday,  20th  Sept.,  the  sun  rose  clear  and  bright,  but  an  impenetrable 
mist  covered  the  field  between  the  two  belligerent  armies.  Our  troops 
were  all  in  line  waiting  but  for  the  word  to  "forward."  G^n.  Polk  had 
the  night  previous  received  orders  to  commence  the  attack  with  Hill's  corps 
at  daylight,  and  had  despatched  two  couriers  that  ni;;iht  to  the  head  quar- 
ters of  Oen.  Hill,  but  they  failed  to  find  him,  he  being  in  the  rear  at  Ted- 
ford's  Ford,  and  the  order  consequently  did  not  reach  Gen.  Hill  until  late 
Sunday  morning.  Gen.  Polk  having  despatched  one  of  his  aids  to  look  for 
him.  This  delay  unfortunately  lost  us  at  least  three  hours  of  daylight, 
which,  as  the  sequel  will  show,  proved  very  lucky  for  Rosecrans'  army. 
The  enemy  had  worked  like  beavers  during  the  night,  find  had  made  three 
lines  of  entrenchments,  besides  having  the  advantage  of  position  on  a  ri- 
sing ridge,  and  were  still  at  work  during  the  early  part  of  the  morning. 
Skirmishing  had  commenced  in  front  of  our  lines,  but  the  battle  did  not 
open  on  our  right  v/ing  until  10  o'clock,  when  the  command  "  forward  " 
ran  down  our  ranks.  It  was  a  splendid  sight  to  see  that  martial  array  of 
glorious  heroes  as  our  long  lines  advanced  to  the  bloody  contest  with  the 
abolition  infidel  foe.  Major  Austin's  Louisana  battalion,  on  the  extreme 
right  of  Hill's  corps,  moved  boldly  forward,  deployed  as  skirmishers,  and 
engaged  the  enemy  800  yards  in  front.  That  intrepid  warrior  Breckin- 
ridge moved  forward  his  division  in  as  perfect  order  as  if  on  dress  parade, 
followed  closely  in  the  rear  by  his  splendid  battery  of  artillery.  Soon  the 
sharp  rattle  of  volleys  of  musketry  were  heard,  and  the  roar  of  battle  thun- 
dered through  the  forest.  Having  driven  in  two  lines  of  skirmishers,  and 
exposed  to  a  severe  cannonading,  the  division  met  and  drove  the  enemy 
from  a  dense  thi©lv©t,  Adams'  brigade  capturing  a  battery,  one  of  the  guns 


11 

•being  secured  by  Ool.  ii.  L.  Gibson's  regiment,  and  two  more  by  Major 
Austin's  battalion.  Breckinridge's  division  had  now  crossed  the  Chatta- 
nooga road,  having  been  advancing  parallel  with  it,  when  by  a  flank  move- 
ment to  the  left,  the  division  formed  its  line  of  battle  at  aright  angle  with 
tlie  road,  Adams  being  on  the  right,  Stovall  in  the  center,  and  Helm  on  the 
left.  Advancing  for  about  800  yards  through  open  fields  and  dense  thick- 
ets, subject  to  a  constant  artillery  fire,*  the  division  encountered  at  100 
yards  a  division  of  regulars  entrenched  in  a  strong  position.  Helm,  en- 
countering a  deadly  fire  from  the  entrenchments,  was  held  in  check,  while 
Adams  and  Stovall  passed  on,  exposed  to  a  terrible  fire  of  grape  and  shot 
from  the  enemy'*  front,  at  the  same  time  a  galling  fire  enfilading  them 
from  the  left.  Notwithstanding  Breckinridge's  line  stood  firm  and  stead- 
fast,  and  delivering  a  volley  and  charging  the  enemy  with  a  shout,  dispersed 
their  first  line  in. gallant  style.  At  this  moment  a  second  line  came  up 
on  our  right  flank,  sustained  by.  a  heavy  battery,  and  delivered  an  unbrok- 
en volley  which  staggered  our  whole  line  and  forced  it  to  retire.  It  was  at 
this  time  Gen.  Adams  received  a  severe  wound  in  his  shoulder,  making  the 
fifih  time  that  this  veteran  soldier  has  sufiered  for  his  country.  Such  was 
the  proximity  of  our  troops  at  the  time,  that  Adams  was  taken  prisoner ; 
the  heroic  Helm  was  killed,  and  Major  Graves,  chief  of  artillery,  mortally 
wounded.  The  command  fell  back  some  300  yards  to  a  commanding 
height,  from  which  Slocomb  with  his  Napoleon  guns  checked  the  hosts  of 
the  advancing  enemy,  Adams'  brigade  having  been  successfully  rallied  by 
the  gaUant  Gibson,  who,  colors  in  hand,  again  fronted  the  foe.  Had  the 
reserve  ordered  forward  to  Breckinridge's  support  come  up  in  time,  the 
enemy's  position  might  have  been  carried,  and  prevented  the  conflict  of  the 
afternoon.  As  it  was,  notwithstanding  our  partial  repulse,  several  pieces 
of  artillery  were  captured  and  a  large  number  of  prisoners. 

At  the  same  time  each  succeeding  division  to  the  left  gradually  became 
engaged  with  the  enemy,  extending  to  Longstreet's  wing.  Walker's  divi- 
sion now  advanced  to  the  relief  of  Breckinridge,  and  after  an  engagement 
of  half  an  hour,  was  also  compelled  to  retire  under  the  severe  fire  of  the 
enemy.  The  gallant  champions  of  Tennessee,  under  Cheatham,  then  ad- 
vanced to  the  relief  of  Walker,  but  even  they  wavered  and  fell  back  under 
the  terrible  fires  of  the  enemy.  Cleburn's  division,  which  had  several  times 
gallantly  charged  the  enemy,  had  also  been  checked,  an4  Stewart's  divi- 
sion, occupying  the  center  and  left  of  our  right  wing  detached  from  Buck- 
ner's  corps,  had  recoiled  before  the  enemy,  but  not  without  slaying  their 
battalions  in  heaps,  charging  across  an  open  wood  and  field  under  a  tornado 
of  grape  and  canister. 

tJp  to  noon  the  struggle  had  been  most  desperate  on  our  right,  and  re- 
sistance made  on  both  sides  with  unparalleled  stubbornness,  our  right  wing 
having  been  repulsed  by  the  enemy's  superior  numbers,  thus  for  a  second 
time  thwarting  the  intended  swinging  movement.  The  meridian  sun 
which  had  witnessed  the  terrible  carnage  of  the  conflict,  now  corbmenced 
its  westward  course,  as  if  declining  further  to  side  with  the  abolition  ban- 
ners of  the  east.  A  reconnoissance  made  in  our  immediate  front,  showed 
that  the  enemy  had  fallen  back  from  that  portion  of  the  field. 

At  this  critical  juncture,  it  being  now  about  1  P.  M.,  the  Lionhearted 
Longstreet  ordered  Gen.  Buokner  to  advance,  which  he  did  as  a  seeoud  line 


12 

to  McLaw's  and  Hood's  divisions.     This  movement,  efTecled  by   Long- 
street,  was  in  the  nature  of  a  left  wheel  upon  his  right,  Hood's  division  be- 
ing as  a  center.     By  this  manoeuvre  he  advanced  one  mile  and  a  half  and 
formed  at  right  angles  with   the  Chattanooga   road,  the  movement  at  the 
same  time  uniting  Buckner's  corps,  by  bringing  Preston's  division  within 
a  short  interval  on  Stewart's  left.     Longstreet's  cot-ps  proper,  Hindnian's 
and  Bushrod  Johnson's  divisions  now  advanced  lilic  tigers  on  the  foe.   The 
second  line  of  the  ejieniy,  who  had  taken  up  a  position  on  a  ridge  or  range 
of  hills,  with  temporary  breastworks  formed  of  rails  and  fallen  timber,  had 
been  driven  back  with   great  sL^nghter,   Hood's  corps  having  captured  13 
pieces  of  artillery  and' a  large  number  of  prisoners.     The  North   Carolin- 
ians of  McNair's  gallant  brigade,  on  this  occasion  made  their   mark.     Lt. 
Col.  Frank  A.  Reynolds,  of  the  39th  North  Carolina,  capturing  ten  pieces 
of  cannon,  ?  of  which  were  brought  off  the  field,  with  two  standards  of  col- 
ors, the  regiment  losing  100  men  out  of  236.     The  glorious  Hood  himself 
was  seriously  wounded,  having  his  leg  amputated  on  the  field.     Longstreet 
now  took  command  of  Hood's  corps  in  person   with  other  troops,    when 
charge  after  charge  was  made  pressing  back  the  enem^^'s  right,  until  their 
line  was  doubled  on  their  center,  for  a  distance  of  three  miles.     Kershaw's 
South   Carolinians  and  Humphrey's   Mississippians  now  advanced  to  the 
assault  of  the  ridge,  and  soon  became  engaged  in  a  desperate  struggle,  the 
tide  of  victory  vaci-ilating,  when  the  peerless   Preston  was  ordered  to  ad- 
vance his  division  of  united  troops,  Gracie*s,  Kelley's  and  Trigg's  brigades, 
who  had  never  before  been  in  action,  to  their  aid.     They  moved  forward 
through  a  deadly  fire  with  the  firmness  and  courage  of  veterans,  exciting  the 
highest  admiration,  when  a  simultaneous  assault  was  made  and  the  enemy 
driven  from  and  over  the  crest  of  the  ridge  with  great  slaughter,  thus  wres- 
ting from  him  his  supposed  impregnable  position.     Gen.  Longstreet  in 
passing  over  the  scene  afterwards,  remarked,   that  the  troops  who  could 
take  such  a  stronghold,  could  carry  any  works  the  enemy  could  construct. 
It  was  now  about  5  o'clock,  when  the  enemy's  right  wing  had  been  driv- 
en back  in  dismay,  and  Rosecrans  to  check  our  further  advance  and  save  his 
army,  attempted  to  reinforce  his  right  by  throwing  over  a  heavy  body  of 
troops. from  his  left.     The  movement  was  at  once  perceived  by  the  eagle 
eyes  of  Longstreet  and  Buckner,  who  had  reconnoitered  the  ground,  and  it 
being  suggested,by  Gen.  Law,  commanding  Hood's  division,  that  we  could 
enfilade  the  enemy  as  he  approached  by  placing  artillery  near  the  Chatta- 
nooga road,  and  opposite  the  angle  formed  by  the  enemy's  lines.  Major 
Williams,  commanding  a  battalion  of  artillery,  of  Buckner's  corps,  was 
ordered  to  concentrate  his  batteries  at  the  point  it  was  supposed  the  enemy 
would  cross.     Soon  after,  as  was  expected,  the  heavy  columns  of  the  enemy 
made  their  appearance  and  were  about  wheeling  into  line,  when  Williams 
opened  on  them  a  terrific  fire  with  grape,  canister  and  schrapnel,   mowing 
down  the  abolition  foe,  and  shivering  the  woods  behind  which  they  attempt- 
ed to  take  shelter.     At  the  same  time,  Stewart's  division,  which  had  been 
ordered  forward  by  Gen.  Longstreet,  fell  furiously  upon  the  flank  of  the 
column,  on  the  right  of  the  road,  while  Law  opened  a  oiost  unmerciful  fire 
.  on  the  left.     The  enemy's  right  and  centre  gave  way  before  the  mighty 
shock  and  broke  with  frantic  confusion :  over  twenty  pieces  of  artillery 
were  captured,  and  several  thousand  made  prisoners.  * 


Gen,  Bragg,  upon  whom  lesteJ  tli^  mighty  responsibility  of  the  immense 
stake  at  hnzard,  and  who,  upon  every  part  of  the  battlefield,  watched  with 
intense  anxiety  the  fite  of  the  day — as  he  directed  the  storm  of  death, — 
then  felt  that  the  God  of  battles  would  award  to  him  the  victory.  • 

The  western  horizon,  crimsoned  with  vermillion  hues,  now  shed  its  rud- 
dy light  on  hill  top  and  forest  plain,  painting  the  bloody  battle  field  still 
reeking  with  human  gore — but  ihe  battle  strife  had  not  yet  ceased.  Driv- 
en to  desperation, .and  determined  at  all  hazards  to  hold  iheir  position  on 
their  left  wing,  the  enemy  with  a  resolute  ferocity  hurled  his  battalions 
upon. our  right,  at  the  same  time  opening  his  batteries  with  a  storm  of 
shell  and  giape.  Liddell  and  Gist,  of  Walker's  corps,  who  had  been  again 
ordered  forward,  being  their  fifth  engagement  with  the  eneniy,  were  met 
by  a  most  destructive  Ore  v.hich  enfiladed  them  on  both  flanks  and  drove 
them  back.  Our  line  of  battle  on  the  vh^ht  was  now  about  half  a  mile 
from  the  Chattanooga  roatj.  The  enemy  was  sorely  pressing  our  waver- 
ing lines.  Gen.  Polk,  who  had  V)orne  the  brunt  of  the  battle  during  the 
day,  and  fou^zht  his  wing  against  the  concentrated  masses  of  the  enemy 
with  unequalled  bravery  and  endurance,  had  now  marshalled  his  forces  for 
<a  last  desperate  charge  on  which  depended  the  fate  of  the  day.  His  flash- 
ing eye  at  this  moment  discovered  that  Granger's  reserve  corps  of  aboli- 
tion troops  was  moving  down  upon  us,  and  not  a  moment  was  to  be  lost. 
xVt  the  same  time  it  was  reported  that  Longstreet  was  driving  the  enemy's 
right  flank,  which  added  fresh  nerve  and  vigor  to  our  already  exhausted 
meu.  ,  The  signal  being  given,  the  whole  line  advanced,  Breckinridge  lead- 
ing off  on  the  extreme  right,  rtie  division  making  a  left  half  wheel,  which 
brought  it  parallel  to  the  enemy's  lines,  whose  artillery  belched  forth  a 
blasting  fire.  Forward  pressed  Stovall,  Gibson,  and  Helm,  in  perfect  or- 
der, cheered  by  other  lines  of  troops  as  they  advanced  and  passing  through 
the  "  unterrified  "  of  Walker's  line,  who  was  then  engaging  the  enemy, 
without  halting,  and  reserving  their  fire  until  within  a  few  yards  of  the  foe, 
when  they  sprang  forward  with  a  wild  yell  to  the  charge,  receiving  a  vol- 
ley from  the  cnem/  without  effect.  A  second  volley  from  the  barricades 
of  trees  and  stones  chocked  Breckinridge  for  a  moment,  and  many  a  brave, 
with  the  nobic  Helm,  fell,  but  theofHcers  rushed  forward  mounting  the  bar- 
ricades follow^ed  by  their  men,  dealing  destructi(>n  to  the  panic  stricken 
hordes  who  fled  on  every  side,  a  brigade  of  U.  S.  Regulars,  under  General 
King,  being  perfectly  routed  by  Gibson.  Still  onward  pressed  the  division 
of  Breckinridge  driving  the  enemy  for  three  quarters  of  a  mile,  capturing 
0  pieces  of, cannon  and*  hundreds  of  prisoners,  until  entering  the  woods 
about  70  yards  west  of.the  Chattanooga  road,  the  enemy's  killed  and 
wounded  marking  its  bloody  track  in  the  pursuit.  o 

At  the  same  time  on  came  the  chivalrous  Clcburn  with  the  brave  Desh- 
ler.  Wood  and  Polk,  who  soon  came  in  conflict  with  Gianger's  corps, 
sweeping  them  before  their  ranks  like  leaves,  and  facing  the  murderous  fire 
of  their  barricades.  The  heroic  and  dashing  Deshler  went  down,  but  still 
the  men  pressed  forward;  Wood,  with  Lncias  Polk's  brigade,  storming 
breastwork  after  breastwork,  until  the  third  work  was  carried — Polk  cap- 
turing three  pieces  of  cannon,  the  standards  of  the  2d  Ohio,  77th  Pa.V'79th 
111.,  and  500  prisoners.  Like  the  ocean's  wave,  rolled  onward  tho  brigades 
of  the  warrior  Cheatham  towards  the  center  of  the  encmv's  works,  which 


14  . 

were  carried  with  an  irresistjiblc  wnpetuousity,  Maney's  brl^^^.dG  adding 
new  laurels  to  its  fiime,  as  well  iis  Strahl';:;,  ^/rii:';llt's,  Jackson's  and  the 
lamented  Preston  Srnitli's  capturing  several  pieces^ of  artillery,  and  a  large, 
number  of  prisoners.  This  sealed  our  victory.  The  enemy  was  totally 
routed  from  right',  left  and  center,  and  was  m  full  retreat  to  Chattanooga, 
night  alone' preventing  their  further  pursuit.  Then  arose  along  our  lines, 
from  wing  to  wing  for  miles,  one  wild  tumultuous  yell,  and  cheers  which 
made  the  hills  and  forest  shake  again.  The  day  was  ours  ;  v/hile  the  croak- 
ing raven  of  the  night  perched  on.  the  ill  starred  banner  of  the  vain,  boast- 
ing Rosecrans,  now  crestfallen,  defeated,  and  humiliated.  Polk'3  wing 
captured  28  pieces  of  artillery,  and  Longstreet's  21,  makitig  40  pieces  of« 
cannon,  both  wings  taking  nearly  an  equal  number  of  prisoners,  amounting 
to  over  8000,  with  30,000  stand  of  arms,  and  40  stand  of  regim.ental  colors. 
The  enemy's  loss  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  by  their  own  account, 
is  not  less  than  BO, 000.  Ours  is  computed  at  12,000,  our  wounded  be- 
ing unusually  large  compared  to  the  killed.  The  enemy  is  known  to  have 
had  all  his- available  force  on  the  field,  including  his  reserve,  with  a  portion 
of  Burnside's  corps,  numbering  not  less  than  80,000,  while  our  whole  forcK? 
did  not  exceed  50,000.  Nothing  was  more  brilliant  in  all  Bonaparte's 
Italian  campaigns;  it  was  equally  as  desperate  as  the  battle  of  Areola,  and 
far  more  decieive  in.  its  results.  So  far  it  exceeds  all  previous  battles  of 
our  revolution,  and  nothing  could  surpass  the  irresistible  courage  and 
heroic  intrepidity  of  our  officers  and  soldiers. 

It  is  impossible  to  crowd  into  this  limited  space  the  numerous  personal 
heroic  deeds,  or  the  valorous  and  chivalrous  incidents,  recalling  the  exploits 
of  the  knights  of  romance,  which  occurred  on  the  ever  memorable  field  of 
Chicamauga,  even  were  they  known  to  the  writer,  while  it  is  a  source  of 
regret  that  I  cannot  do  full  justice  to  compaeies  and  regiments  by  record- 
ing here  the  noble  and  heroic  part  y/hich  they  bore  on  this  bloody  battle 
field,  where  all  were  alike  distinguished  for -heroism  and  bravery. 

It  is  but  justice  to  Gen.  Longstrect  to  accord  to  him  the  turning  of  the 
tide  of  victory  by  hi^  masterly  manceuvre,  which  was  followed  up  and 
completed  by  Gen.  Polk,  while  it  must  be  conceded  that  the  resolute  de- 
cision of  Gen.  Bragg  in  checking  the  enemy's  advance  into  Georgia,  striking 
him  at  a  disadvantage,  with  great  odds  against  us,  and  driving  him  from 
the  State,  defeated  and  routed,  deserves  the  gratitude  of  our  countrymen. 

Too  much  praise  cannot  be  given  to  the  gallant  Georgians.  In  Hood's 
division  13  pieces  of  artillery  were  captured,  to  secure  which  our  boys 
forced  the  Abolition  prisoners  to  haul  them  off  the  field.  It  was  a  novel 
sight  to  see  fko  Confederate  sbldiers  mounted  on  a  gun  carriage,  with  their 
rifles  in  hand,  driving  a  team  of"  "  Abolish,"  which  had  been  harnessed  up 
for  the  occasion.  The  able  manner  in  which  Hood's  division  was  handled 
by  the  accomplished  Brig.  Gen.  E.  M.  Law,  called  forth  the  high  praise 
and  congratulations  of  Gen.  Longstreet.  The  most  eminent  service  had 
been  rendered  by  our  bold  dragoons  under  the  daring  chieftains  Forrest, 
Wheeler,  Wharton,  and  Scott,  who  drove  back  and  checked  the  enemy's 
advances,  and.  during  the  fight  greatly  annoyed  their  flanks,  capturing  a 
large  number  of  prisoners. 

Not  since  the  battle  of  Cressy,  1346,  when  cannon  were  first  used,  was 
the  Artillery  arm  ©f  .the  service  more  effective  on  both  sides,  or  more  ohiv- 


15 

a]ry  shown.  During  the  eveuuig  of  the  QOth,  when  Liddell's  brigades 
were  in  desperate  conflicl;  Tvitli  tho  enemy,  Capt.  Sweet's  battery  silenced 
«  battery  of  the  enemy  which  was  afterwards  captured.  The  officer  in 
command,  on  being  taken  prisoner,  enquired  the  name  of  the  Confederate 
officer  who  served  the  guns,  a«  he  desired  to  present  him  with  his  sword 
find  glass,  for  his  gallantry  and  great  skill.  The  officer  referred  to  was  the 
brave  Lieut.  Shannon,  and  the  glass  and  sword  was  left  with  Maj.  M.  Smith 
for  the  heroic  artillerist.  The  batteries  commanded  by  Capts.  Cobb,  Cams, 
Lumsden,  Fowler,  and  indeed  all  our  artillery  officers,  rendered  distin- 
guished service,  and  none  more  so  than  the  lamented  Maj.  R.  E,  Graves, 
chief  of  artillery  of  Breckinridge's  division,  who  was  killed  on  the  field. 
Maj.  J.  K.  Porter,  chief  of  artillery  of  Buckner's  corps,  Lt.  Col.  James  H. 
Hallonquist,  chief  of  artillery  of  Gen.  Bragg's  staff,  and  Maj.  Palmer  also- 
rendered  distinguished  serrice. 

An  idea  of  the  desperation  of  the  fight  may  be  had  from  the  casualties 
in  Govan's  and  Walthall's  brigades,  which  suffered  the  largest  loss  of  any 
two  brigades  in  the  army.  But  one  Colonel  was  left  in  command  in  Go- 
van's  brigade.  Col.  FeatherBton,  of  the  5th  Ark.,  fell  in  the  first  engage- 
ment while  gallantly  taking  a  battery  ;  Lt.  Col.  Baucum,  of  tho  8th  Ark., 
and  Col.  Gillespie,  of  tho  7th  Ark.,  were  both  wounded.  Ten  company 
officers  out  of  twelve,  in  the  1st  Louisiana  and  8th  Ark.  consolidated,  were 
killed  and  wounded.  In  the  two  brigades  1600  men  and  officers  wore  kill- 
ed and  wounded  in  five  desperate  engagements.  Eight  field  officers  out  of 
ten  were  killed  and  wounded  in  Walthall's  brigade,  and  Col.  J.  J.  Scales, 
30th  Miss.,  captured.  In  the  24th  Miss.,  Lt.  Col.  R,  P.  Mackelvaine  and 
Major  W.  C.  Staples  were  wounded,  also  Lt.  Col.  A.  J.  Jones,  of  the  27th; 
Lt.  Col.  J.  B.  Morgan,  of  the  29th  ;  Maj.  J.  M.  Johnson  of  30th  ;  Maj.  W. 
G.  Pegram,  and  Capt.  Fowler,  afterwards  commanding  the  34th  Miss.  Lt. 
Col.  H.  A.  Reynolds,  30th  Miss.,  was  killed.  Col.  Brantley,  of  29tb,  and 
Col.  Campbell,  27th  Miss.,  were  the  only  officers  uninjured.  Whole  loss 
781  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

The  Louisiana,  Kentucky  and  Alabama  troops  were  also  conspicuous  for 
their  gallantry.  Sergt.  J.  C.  McDevitt,  the  color-bearer  of  Gibson's  regi- 
ment, Adams'  brigade,  was  mortally  w^ounded  in  both  legs  with  canister. 
The  brave  Maj.  Loudon  Butler,  of  the  19th  La.,  was  killed  at  the  head  of 
his  regiment,  and  Lt.  Col.  R.  W.  Turner,  of  same  ragiment,  was  wounded, 
also  Capt.  E.  P.  Guilliet,  of  Gen.  Adam*'  staff.  Col.  Dan  Gober  and  Maj. 
C.  H.  Moore,  of  16th  and  25th  La.,  Col.  L.  Von  Zinken  and  Capt.  E.  M. 
Dubroca,  of  13th  and  20th  La.,  Capt.  John  W.  Labouisse,  A.  L  G.,  Maj.  J. 
C.  Kimball,  32d  Ala.,  and  Lieuts.  S.  L.  Ware,.and  Scott  Yerger,  were  dis- 
tinguished for  their  gallantry  and  bravery.  Maj.  James  Wilson,  A.  A.  G.» 
Capts.  Cabell,  Breckinridge,  Clay,  Coleman,  and  Maston,  of  Gen.  Breckin- 
ridge's staff,  also  won  additional  distinction.  The  brave  and  chivalrous 
Col.  Hewitt,  of  the  2d  Ky.,  and  Lt.  Col.  Inge,  of  IBth  AJa.,  were  killed. 

Bate's  brigade,  of  Stewart's  division,  retook  a  gun  and  confederate  flag, 
which  had  been  captured  by  the  enemy  the  evening  before.  General  Bate 
had  two  horses  shot  under  him,  suffering  considerably  from  the  fall  of  tha 
last.  Gen.  Brown  was  struck  in  the  breast  by  a  spent  ball,  which  shocked 
him  severely,  and  Gen.  Clayton  was  struck  with  a  fragmeat  of  a  shell  on 
the  side.     Bate'i  brigfld«  lott  608,  out  of  1 085,  including  67  offic«r9.   Bvw^ 


staii' afTiccr  bad  his  horse  shot  under  hi  in.  Col.  R.  C.  Tyller,  of  the  15th 
and  37th  Tennessee,  lost  120  out  of  202  men.  All  the  fit^d  ofiicers  were 
wounded,  six  company  officers  were  killed,  and  two  color  bearers  we're  shot 
down.  Duriwg  the  evening  of  the  20th,  this  gallant  regiment  became  dis- 
connected from  Bate's  brigade,  and  fought  independently,  capturing,  with 
a  portion  of  the  4th  Alabama,  a  fine  battery,  the  men  of  the  regiment  man- 
ning the  guns  and  carrying  them  to  the  rear,  the  horses  being  all  killed. 
During  the  night  after  the  battle,  Preston's  division  captured  two  regiments, 
being  part  of  a  small  force  which  held  its  position  on  our  left.  Major  J. 
Stoddard  Johnson,  A.  A.  G.,  Maj.  T.  H.  Clay,  Inspector  Gen'l.,  Maj.  A. 
C.  GibsQn,  Chief  of  Ordnance,  and  Maj.  T.  K.  Porter,  Chief  of  Artillery,  of. 
Gen.  Buckner's  Staff,  were  distinguished  for  the  gallant  service  which  they 
rendered  on  the  field.  ■ 

On  Monday,  21st,  Forrest  and  "Wheeler  pursued  the  enemy  who  did  not  , 
stop  until  they  reached  Chattp-nooga,  the  former  keeping  up  a  running  fire 
and  capturing  a  numbej  of  prisoners.  Wheeler  also  destroyed  a  wagon 
train  and  captured  100  prisoners.  Ma,].  John  Taylor,  of  the  1st  La.  caval- 
ry, went  within  five  miles  of  Chattanooga,  and  captured  the  splendid  colors 
of  the  30th  Indiana,  with  100  pvisoners.  Our  whole  army  moved  forward 
on  Tuesday,  and  formed  in  front  of  Missionary  Ridge,  taking  possession  of 
Lookout  Mountain,  and  securing  the  river  road  towards  Bridgeport.  It  is 
stated  that  the  enemy  had  already  crossed  a  portion  of  his  army  over  the 
river,  but  finding  he  wab  not  pursued  returned.  There  is  hardly  a  doubt, 
however,  that  if  our  troops  could  have  pursued  him  that  night,  we  would 
have  at  least  occupied  Chattanooga,  as  the  enemy  was  most  precipitous  in 
his  flight,  leaving  his  hospitals,  wounded,  and  dead,  alike  abandoned,  on 
the  banks  of  the  '^  River  of  Death  "  ! 


Hollinger  Corp. 
pH  8.5 


